KR20080080283A - Configuration method for devices with virtural configuratators - Google Patents

Abstract

A configuration method for an SCS system, comprising a two-wire SCS bus (11), to which are connected configurable devices (16), such as actuators, controls, dimmers, etc., realised by means of virtual configurators stored in a memory inside the devices (16) themselves; the installer is therefore able to choose whether to configure an SCS installation using current physical configurators, or using the new method with the help of a PDA, a Personal Computer (10) or similar equipment.

Description

Configuration Method For Devices With Virtural Configuratators}

The present invention relates to a method of configuring devices such as actuators, controls, dimmers, and the like, such as virtual configurators.

In current home automation (domotic) devices and systems, a configuration is often provided by the command device, which is performed by a set of actuators via a self-learning message stage.

As an example, a typical schematic configuration of a self-learning home automation system includes a command device for sending a specific program message to a device such as an actuator, control, dimmer, etc., which opens and closes lighting and / or rolling shutters in a room or complete apartment. Control a given load, such as the type of activation system used.

This procedure consists in setting the actuator device in the program mode, for example by long pressing a designated key and then sending a message to be stored by the command device.

The signal LED diode can be used to indicate a confirmation of the program status (eg switch-on) and the command being memorized (eg switch-off). This operation must be repeated for each command message for programming a procedure on each actuator device, and each actuator device can store a plurality of command messages.

When the key is pressed for a longer time period, it is possible to zero-set the memory of this programmed control, for example represented by a signal LED diode such as a momentary flash operation.

Currently, domestic domotic systems are based on an electric bus, but are generally assigned an address by a set number selector, microswitch or bond.

Basically in this case, the command device is connected to the electric bus, which is also connected to the actuator device, and the control transmits an activation signal to the actuator via the bus. The bus is also directly connected to individual loads such as lighting and / or electric motors.

The command device and actuator device also include a numeric selector used to assign an address.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to propose a new SCS system setup method, which can be integrated into a system based on a two-wire SCS bus. This makes it possible to configure the device (eg, actuators, controls, etc.) via a virtual configuration stored in memory inside the device itself.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a setting method for an apparatus (for example, an actuator, a control, a dimmer, etc.) using a virtual configurator. This allows the installer to choose to set up the SCS installation using a physical setter, or using a PDA or PC or similar device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a setting method for setting up a device using a virtual setter that is easy to install and use, efficient, safe and reliable.

This and other objects of the present invention are achieved by a new method of setting up devices using a virtual setter according to claim 1, wherein the dependent claims contain the technical details of the invention.

Optionally, in "virtual" mode, a new method for setters, such as actuators, controls, dimmers, etc., of the dominant system bus, may use a PDA, PC or similar device to press the appropriate key on the device to be set up, or a PDA or PC. It can be implemented by inputting the device address of the device to be set in.

This provides noticeable portability at installation, and above all, knowing the address can simply reset a device that cannot be contacted directly. It is also possible to carry out diagnostic work of the entire installation operation via a PDA, PC or similar device.

According to the invention, further features and advantages of the method of setting up the device using the virtual setter are by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings (FIG. 1) showing an embodiment and a block diagram outline of the setting method of the invention. The description below will provide further clarification. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order for the present invention to be fully understood and to have substantial effect, preferred embodiments of the present invention, but not limited thereto, are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

 1 is a block diagram illustrating the technical features of a setting system according to the present invention.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with the accompanying drawings and examples.

In the drawings showing the technical features of the setting system according to the invention mentioned above, reference numeral 10 denotes a PDA or personal computer (PC), which is connected via a radio frequency connection device 12 such as Wi-Fi. It is connected to a two-wire SCS bus 22. This solution, for example, requires the use of a web server 14, such as an open-SCS gateway, connected to an Ethernet line 15 and then equipped with a Wi-Fi transmitter / receiver (access point) 13.

To set up the virtual setter, the installer has a case that includes a PDA or PC 10, a web server 14 and a Wi-Fi connection point 13. PDA is the most suitable device for setting operation. Because it is simple to use, easy to carry, and has very good signal coverage (80 meters in the interference-free space), it has excellent mobility during installation operation. However, the method of choice is to use a PC instead of a PDA to perform a virtual setup operation using the same functionality and similar software.

User interfaces other than PDAs or PCs may be used.

The virtual setting method which can be applied according to the present invention is as follows. (The setting method using a PDA is provided as an example, and a function may be performed in the same manner by a PC or other similar user interface.)

After connecting all devices 16, such as actuators, controls, dimmers, etc., and connecting the PDA 10 to the 2-wire SCS bus 11, the installer simply connects the installation to the mains power supply. The installation setup stage can be started using the PDA 10.

In fact, the installer only presses a key on the device 16 to be set, and a message appears on the PAD 10.

The software residing in the PDA 10 includes a database containing files of all of the morale devices 16 present in the designated catalog.

The installer can choose whether to use the guided configuration method or the general configuration method.

In the first case, the PDA 10 software recognizes the device 16 to be set up. This is because the device is included in the database and thus provides a guide command for configuration. For example, the setter's seat is displayed as present in the device in question, thus limiting the selection exclusively to the accepted setter.

In the second case, the device 16 is not included in the product catalog database and therefore the installer follows the general setup procedure, which is completely free to choose his preferred settings. In this case, the installer can add the relevant device 16 to the database.

When the setter is input to the PDA 10, the installer checks the operation.

At this point, a confirmation signal of the completed setting is displayed on the PDA 10. Or, for example, if the input setting is not correct, an error signal is displayed.

When this step is complete, the installer can decide whether to exit or continue the setup stage. If continuing, the installer repeats the previously described procedure and presses the key of the new device 16 to be set.

Naturally, a control check on the physical setter is made upstream, and if a control check is present, the whole procedure will be blocked by a message displayed on the PDA display.

This procedure can also be used for the resetter 16, which was previously set using the virtual setter. In this case, when the key of the device 16 to be set is pressed, the PDA 10 display shows the setting to be changed on the screen. The installer can then enter the desired settings on the PDA 10 and confirm the procedure. The installer can then continue as previously described.

The PDA 10 may be used to request the setting of the device 16 by pressing a suitable key. The PDA 10 displays the settings and specifies whether the setter is physical or virtual.

In the case of the device 16 previously set using the virtual setter, an addressable reset operation may be performed remotely and / or offline. The installer can set installation settings from his own office, save the settings, and use them when needed to see the installation in question.

In this case, the application program (application) must be stored in a standard format (e.g., .xml file) in a large memory such as a compact flash or secure digital module. Such large memory may be present at the customer's location. This makes it easier for installers, FTCs and technicians to adjust the installation.

Installation settings may be stored at a designated Internet gateway.

Finally, as previously described, the PDA 10 software can be used to detect whether the setup is performing a diagnostic operation for an installation that is already operational. For example, a full installation is scanned to detect potentially probable devices 16.

In this way, the wiring is the same for any type of installation, and the functional logic (partition function, direct command of a single device, direct command of all devices in the same environment, devices belonging to different environments) Logic connections between them, direct commands of all devices belonging to the same group, direct commands of all devices) are established through the configuration of the various devices 16 identified. In this regard a specific operating method and / or function to be performed is assigned. This can be changed at any time without physical intervention on the wiring.

Moreover, in certain cases of virtual setup, the device may be reset without the need to connect to the operating device (operation including opening the device case as needed in the case of built-in devices) and without having to disconnect or reconnect power to the system. Can be.

The characteristics of the device setting method using the virtual setter, that is, the object of the present invention have been made clear by the foregoing description, and have a clear effect.

Finally, the embodiments of the present invention described above are for illustration and description only, and are not intended to limit the present invention to the described form. Accordingly, various changes and modifications can be made to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. In addition, the detailed description of this specification does not limit the scope of the present invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claims (10)

A method of setting up a device (16) using a virtual setter for an SCS installation, comprising at least one two-wire bus (11), wherein the device (16) comprises an actuator, a control, a dimmer Wherein the device (16) is connected to the two-wire bus (11), the method comprising: The virtual setter stored in the memory in the device 16 is performed in such a way as to create and modify the functional logic of the device 16 without physical intervention on the wiring, Through setting, a specific method of operation and function to be performed are assigned, whereby the device (16) is reconfigured without connecting to a setter and without powering off the system. The method of claim 1, The setting method is performed by using a PDA or PC 10, by pressing a key on the device 16 to be set or by inputting an address of the device 16 to be set in the PDA or PC 10. How to set up your device. The method of claim 2, Via the PAD or PC (10), reconfiguring a non-accessible device (16) capable of identifying an address and performing a full diagnosis of the installation. The method of claim 2, The PAD or PC 10 is connected to the 2-wire bus of the SCS installation 11 via a radio frequency connection 12, the 2-wire bus 11 is connected to the web server 14, and the web server (14) an open-SCS gateway, wherein the two-wire bus is then connected to an Ethernet line (15) equipped with a Wi-Fi transmitter / receiver (13). The method of claim 2, Wherein said PAD or PC (10) is equipped with application software, said application software having a database containing device (16) files residing within a particular catalog. The method of claim 5, wherein The software is included in a database, recognizing that the device (16) performs a configuration, and provides a guide on device configuration. The method of claim 5, wherein The software allows a general setup procedure to be performed, the installer to select the preferred setter, and if necessary, add the identified device (16) to the database. The method of claim 1, The device 16 is reconfigured by entering a configuration into the PAD or PC 10 using a virtual setter, the reconfiguration operation being performed remotely and off-line, and stored in a mass memory or Internet gateway. Device setting method, characterized in that. The method of claim 5, wherein The PAD or PC (10) software is used to perform a diagnostic operation on an installation that is already running to scan the installation and detect a probable device (16). A virtual setter for performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 10.

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